Classic Myanmar

In two weeks, ride through the picturesque Shan Hills by scenic train, cycle through the romantic temple complex in Bagan, take a boat onto Inle Lake, stopping at traditional markets and floating gardens before culminating in Yangon, home to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda . This is the Burma of Rudyard Kipling.

About this tour

What you need to know

We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.

Most temples require you to wear modest clothing and walk around barefoot. Remember to pack shoes that you can slip on and off easily and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.

One of the highlights of Bagan is a sunrise hot air balloon ride offering stunning views over the temple zone. Seats are limited so booking in advance is recommended. Your Adventure Specialist will be able to advise on the best ride for you and how to book.

The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. You will meet your Tucan Travel rep at 18.00 for the pre-departure meeting. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre-tour accommodation.

This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.

Itinerary

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Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Mandalay

Welcome to Myanmar, more formally named the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and previously and possibly better known in many countries as Burma.

Mandalay, a name that evokes splendours of old Burma, captured by Rudyard Kipling in poem Mandalay. “This is Burma” he wrote, “and it is quite unlike any place you know about!” Destroyed by a fire and heavily bombed during World War Two, the Burma of old is more difficult to find but when you do, it astounds you.

With a turbulent history, after thousands were killed in a military uprising, Burma changed its name to Myanmar in 1989. Myanmar today has only recently opened its border to travellers after the Military Junta, in control since 1962 was dissolved after years of internal struggle as recently as 2011. As this largely rural country remains unaffected by long term tourism it offers us a wonderful insight into Southeast Asian life.

Why not visit the Mahamuni Pagoda with its old Buddha statue. Typically a lively temple, men put gold leaves into the statue. Here you can also shop around for the perfect souvenir, your own small statue made of bronze or wood. If you can't find what you are looking for, the marble carving street should have a treat in store. Walking through the Mahagandayon monastery complex, see hundreds of monks heading to prayers.

Tonight, you can visit the Yadanar night market to get a feel for the real Mandalay. Grab some traditional snacks before enjoying a beer at a famous beer station and a delicious meal at one of Mandalay's traditional BBQ restaurants.

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Oway Grand Hotel or similar

Day 2 to 3 - Hsipaw

Heading into the Northern Shan State, we travel to Hsipaw, located in the east of Myanmar, Hsipaw is a scenic town steeped in history. Once a Shan royal city, the old palace still stands in the northern part of the town. In 1962 the last Sawbwa, Sao Kya Seng, disappeared during a military coup however his family still care for the old palace and it is possible to pay a visit, meet a descendent of the last Sawbwa and learn about the history of the Shan State over the last 50 years.

A popular area for hiking, Hsipaw is situated in a valley with a number of Shan villages surrounding it. In the late afternoon we can enjoy a guided walk through the paddy fields, passing villages, creeks, schools and monasteries along way. The guide will teach you about Shan life around Hsipaw and show you some home industries like cheroot (cigar) rolling and bamboo weaving. He will explain why each Shan village has a spirit house built at the entrance of the village and make sure you will get to know the spirit of the local people in Northern Shan State

Hsipaw also as a fantastic central market where locals come to trade frequently. You may also enjoy watching the sunset from Five Buddha Hill, accessible by bicycle a few miles out of the town.

Included Excursions

Shan village walking tour

Optional Excursions

Full day Hiking and boat tour - USD $45 per group

Accommodation

2 night(s) in hotels at Mr. Charles Hotel or similar

Meals

2 Breakfast(s)

Day 4 to 4 - Kyaukme

Heading east, Kyaukme is a small but bustling town with a vibrant Chinese quarter. Kyaukme is flanked by valleys filled with Palaung villages.

From Hsipaw, we will take a local bus today from opposite the beautiful colonial all-wooden post office a short 3 minute walk from the hotel. The local bus will stop at villages along the way, allowing locals to get on or off with their goods, whether that be livestock or vegetables. You will be able to purchase snacks from locals along the route or learn the language by engaging in conversation with your neighbour.

Kyaukme still sees few western tourists and on arrival your tour leader will be waiting for you to take you to the guesthouse where you can freshen up and drop off your luggage before embarking on a full day trekking. Palaung villages surround Kyaukme and with a local guide, you can gain a fascinating insight into the life of these people living in these remote hills. We stop en route in one of these villages for a local meal before returning back to Kyaukme for the night.

Included Excursions

Palaung Mountain Village Walking Tour

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at One Love Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 5 to 5 - Pyin Oo Lwin

After breakfast this morning, we board a train to take us from Kyaukme to Pyin Oo Lwin. This scenic train journey boasts astounding views as it travels along old train tracks built over 100 years ago. En route, the train will stop at small villages and vendors will climb on board to sell their wares whether they are drinks of local delicacies. Depending on how long the train is due to spend in each village, you may have time to get off the train and wander around. Some locals often spend time in the train station to try to teach themselves english by speaking to any tourists on board. After a few hours on board, we will cross the Goteik Viaduct. This bridge was built by the British in 1899 and at the time, was considered a masterpiece and the longest bridge in the world.

Travelling at walking speed, crossing the bridge will be a slow process as the engineer tries to limit any damage to the bridge by taking his time. This means there is plenty of time to capture photos of the valley below and the train navigating the tracks.

We arrive in the picturesque town of Pyin Oo Lwin this afternoon. The city was founded by the British in 1896 and retains its colonial charm. This afternoon you will have time to take a tour of the town and the old British colonial buildings.

Included Excursions

Goteik Viaduct train journey

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Royal Parkview Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 6 to 6 - Mandalay

Leaving Pyin Oo Lwin, we take a shared taxi back to Mandalay where we spend the night. You will have time today to enjoy some of the sights of the town you didn’t get to see when you were here earlier on in your tour. Arriving in the morning, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing culminating at sunset by the bridge.,

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

Meals

Day 7 to 9 - Bagan

Bagan is home to more Buddhist temples than anywhere in the world. They poke out of the trees and have a graceful aging process. It is here that the sunsets are some of the best in the world.

On arrival, we enjoy a half day guided orientation tour of the area where you will see some of the best temples in the region. Discover Ananda, Sulamani, and Thatbyinnyu, the latter being one of the highest monuments in Bagan.

The best way to see the many hundreds of temples in the area of Bagan is by bicycle and the day after arriving in Bagan, we take a guided tour of the site by bicycle The flat landscape makes a bike tour an easy excursion and your guide will show you some of the most spectacular ancient temples away from the crowds. Cycle through the palm trees and bamboo huts finding temples along the way. You can also climb some of the pagodas for impressive views over the temples.

With two full days in Bagan, should you want to visit the surrounding areas, you can take optional excursions to see what else the region has to offer. You can visit Mount Popa, the birthplace of the 37 'nats' of Myanmar which are the protective spirits. You can get off the beaten track by visiting rural villages as well as fruit and flower markets.

One of the highlights of Bagan enjoyed by many, is a sunrise hot air balloon ride offering stunning views over the temple zone. Of course seats are limited and can book up early so booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. Your Adventure Specialist will be able to advise on the best ride for you and how to book.

Included Excursions

Half day Bagan orientation tour,Bike tour through Bagan

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

3 night(s) in hotels at Thante Nyaung Oo Hotel or similar

Meals

3 Breakfast(s)

Day 10 to 10 - Kalaw

Leaving Bagan, on the way to Kalaw we visit the Elephant Conservation Centre. A community project only recently established here, protects the jungle, the wildlife that resides in it and the traditions of the local people living in the area. The project also protects some of Myanmar’s endangered elephants which, without this protection, may have been hunted down and killed or sold into the tourism trade.

These elephants are ‘retired’ from working life and we will have the opportunity to wash and feed the elephants but riding them is strictly not allowed. Returning to the camp, we will enjoy lunch before continuing our journey to Kalaw. Travelling by private vehicle, we might make multiple stops on the way to Kalaw in local villages. We may learn how to make toddy and jaggery (palm sugar) from the sap of the toddy palm.

Included Excursions

Elephant Conservation Centre

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels

Meals

1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 11 to 12 - Inle Lake

Leaving Kalaw after breakfast, we board our another train to take us to Inle Lake. This scenic journey travels through the Shan mountains and you can glimpse the local life as you travel en route. The train has been used by locals and westerners alike for over 100 years and has a distinctive colonial feel to it. This train can't be prebooked so you may be seated in the “ordinary class” giving you a real taste of how locals travel by train.

Arriving at Inle Lake in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy an afternoon excursion on the lake or in the surrounding hills. The following day, we spend a full day on the lake, travelling by boat between traditional villages built on stilts and inhabited by the Intha people. We visit floating gardens, pass some of the fishermen who row their boats using their legs, balancing precariously on the other. One of the main highlights of the excursion is the lunch made by a local family. You will experience authentic Intha food including the famous tomato salad, meat cakes steamed in banana leaves and more. You will also visit traditional markets in different villages depending on the day we travel. If time allows, we will also visit a cheroot factory where Burmese cigars are made, floating tomato gardens, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Intha Heritage House where Burmese cats are bred.

Well known for its weaving, on Inle Lake we have the chance to purchase souvenirs including the Burmese tote-bags and high quality silk fabrics. You can also try traditional Shan cuisine including Htamin Jin, a delicious meal of rice, tomato, potato or fish in round balls, wrapped in crisp fried onion and marinated in garlic.

Included Excursions

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Maine Li or similar

Meals

2 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 13 to 13 - Yangon

Today we fly to Yangon, a city filled with British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences. Despite being a city, here it is common to see locals walking down the street barefoot with natural sunblock from the Thanaka tree rubbed on their faces. There is plenty to do in this bustling city from food tours, local markets, lakes and pagodas.

The largest and most beautiful pagoda is the Shwedagon Pagoda and it is the most religion site in Myanmar. It was originally built in the 6th century AD and has been rebuilt and developed over time to become the sprawling, golden site of today. It is also a meeting point for locals. Children play, monks chat and women gossip while it is possible to pick up some souvenirs from the shops outside the site.

Accommodation

1 night(s) in hotels at Clover City Centre Hotel or similar

Meals

1 Breakfast(s)

Day 14 to 14 - Depart Yangon

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

Meals

Other

What's Not Included

International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes

Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.

Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.